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Parasites, bad case of fleas lead to 10-year animal ban for Sturgeon Falls pair

Found guilty on seven charges
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Parasites, untreated ear infections and a bad case of fleas — and the charges laid as a result — mean a man and woman from Sturgeon Falls are banned from owning any animals for the next decade, the OSPCA said today.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals laid the charges — seven in total — on Aug. 23, 2017. Jason Aubertin, 31, and Nicole Badgely, 22, were found guilty in North Bay Provincial Offences Court of two counts of permitting an animal to be in distress, two counts of failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention, two counts of failing to provide care necessary for their general welfare, and failing to comply with an Ontario SPCA Order.

A Justice of the Peace sentenced Aubertin and Badgley to a 10-year prohibition on owning or caring for animals. They were also fined $1,000 each.

In a follow-up visit on Aug. 24, 2017, an OSPCA officer with the North Bay and District Humane Society executed a search warrant, the OSPCA said in a news release, at a property in Sturgeon Falls, after the owners had failed to comply with previously issued orders to have their animals examined by a veterinarian.

Two dogs and two cats were located and observed to be suffering from hair loss and wounds caused by chronic scratching, the OSPCA reports. All four animals in the home were removed and treated for fleas by a veterinarian. One of the dogs, a black Shepherd-type mix, was also treated for ear infections and internal parasites.
 
“We try to educate wherever possible. However, animal cruelty laws will be enforced to ensure accountability for those who fail to provide appropriate care to their animals,” said Lynn Michaud, a senior inspector with the OSPCA. “If you find yourself unable to provide the necessary care for your animals, contact your local humane society or animal centre to seek help.”